State Recreation Grants

This grant focuses on renovating existing trailered boat launches to improve public recreational boating access. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, the grant aims to support the development and maintenance of facilities that provide primary recreational boating access to the general public. Projects must undergo a pre-approval site inspection to confirm eligibility. Available funding for trailered launch renovation projects is up to $75,000.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The FY25 Conservation Partnership Grant, overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and conservation districts in acquiring conservation or recreation land within Massachusetts. The grant encourages projects that conserve natural resources, offer recreational opportunities, and address climate resilience aligned with Executive Order 569. Funding is aimed at land purchases or conservation restrictions, with due diligence costs eligible for gifts of land. This reimbursement grant emphasizes protecting strategic open spaces that provide public access and maintain ecological value.

This program provides funding to local government agencies and organizations in Colorado to upgrade or replace pump-out stations for recreational motorboats, helping to protect water quality and aquatic wildlife.

Grant Opportunity: Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier (SFR-FP) Funding Organization: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Contact Information: - Name: Faith M Murray - Email Address: [email protected] - Work Phone: (920) 461-8206 - Work Address: NATURAL RESOURCES, DEPT OF, GREEN BAY, WI 54313 Intent and Eligibility: The Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier grant program provides funding for the construction and renovation of fishing piers primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible applicants include counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and qualified lake associations. Matching contributions must come from non-federal sources. Application Deadline: Applications for the Sport Fish Restoration Fishing Pier grant must be submitted by October 1 each year. Application Materials: To apply for the grant, applicants must submit various materials including the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Programs Application (Form 8700-385), Grant Project Authorizing Resolution (Form 8700-388), project location maps, topographical maps of the project area showing land disturbance area, illustrations of the current condition of the project area, drawings or site plans of the proposed project area including buildings and facilities, preliminary or final engineering plans with pier designs, draft easement/lease/MOU documents if applicable, and copies of required permits if already received. Submission Process: All grant applications should be emailed to [email protected]. The subject line of the email should indicate the type of grant being applied for. Application materials should be saved in PDF format and not exceed 15 megabytes in size. If email size exceeds 15 MB, documents can be sent in multiple emails. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is submitted by the deadline. Additional Resources: Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidance for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Subaward Grant Program: Boating Infrastructure Grant, Clean Vessel Act, and Sport Fish Restoration for Boat Access and Fishing Piers [PDF]. Accessibility guidance for grant-funded projects (CF-031) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and

Grant Opportunity: County Conservation Aids (CCA) Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Grant Program Manager, WI Dept of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313, 920-461-2595 Program Description: The County Conservation Aids (CCA) grant program provides financial assistance to county and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs. The program aims to enhance fish and wildlife resources through the funding of various projects related to outdoor recreation use, habitat restoration/enhancement, stocking projects, maintenance projects, and miscellaneous projects. The grants are funded by the revenue generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and state sales tax on hunting and fishing equipment. Eligibility: County and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs are eligible to apply for this grant. Award Details: The statewide allocation for the current fiscal year is $148,500. Funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state. Unused funds revert to five regions available to county and tribal governments within region boundaries. Application Process: Interested applicants can download the County Conservation Aids (CCA) Application & Grant Agreement Form #8700-045A from the website. The form should be completed online and submitted via email or postmarked no later than October 1. Applicants may need to obtain permits if required or seek approval from the property manager if their project is occurring on DNR-owned land. A letter of final award notification will be sent out by October 31. Matching Requirement: If an applicant receives a grant of federal pass-through funds from the DNR, those funds can be used as a match for the 50% cost-share required by the CCA program. State funds cannot be used as a match for a CCA grant. Reimbursement Information: Expenditures made prior to the effective date of the appropriate DNR regional grant specialist approval will not be allowed. All work must be done within the project period. Local equipment rates may be used but should not exceed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) equipment rate for the year of the project activities. Re

The Iowa Legislature, through its REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) funds, offers a cost-share grant program primarily focused on land acquisitions. This program dedicates one-tenth of the Open Spaces portion of REAP to partner with private organizations for land acquisition, covering 75% of the costs. The remaining 25% is expected to be funded through private contributions. The core mission of this grant is to facilitate collaboration between private conservation groups and the state to achieve dual objectives: providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the public and protecting critical habitats across all Iowa counties. This aligns with a broader strategic priority of fostering public-private partnerships for environmental stewardship and enhancing public access to natural resources. The primary beneficiaries of this program are private conservation groups seeking to acquire land for conservation and recreation purposes. Ultimately, the impact extends to the general public in Iowa, who gain access to expanded outdoor recreation areas, and to the diverse ecosystems within the state, which benefit from enhanced habitat protection. The program's goals are centered on increasing the amount of protected land and improving access to natural spaces, thereby contributing to the state's environmental health and residents' well-being. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on land acquisition, specifically through a cost-sharing model. It emphasizes the importance of private contributions to complement state funding, encouraging a collaborative approach to conservation. The state's role in managing the acquired properties on behalf of the public after acquisition underscores a commitment to long-term stewardship and public benefit. The grant is not limited to specific counties but is available across all counties in Iowa, indicating a broad and inclusive approach to conservation efforts throughout the state. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a measurable increase in protected land acreage within Iowa and the expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities for its citizens. By covering a significant portion of land acquisition costs, the program aims to incentivize and enable more private conservation groups to undertake such projects. Measurable results would include the number of acres acquired, the types of habitats protected, and the accessibility of new recreational sites. This aligns with a theory of change that posits that by financially supporting private conservation efforts and ensuring state management, significant environmental and recreational benefits can be achieved for the public good.

The State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry announces the 2024 ATV Trail Maintenance Grant Program, designed to support ATV clubs in maintaining and improving ATV trails across the state. The grant offers a tiered funding system based on trail mileage, ranging from $7,000 for trails up to 10 miles, to $12,000 for trails over 70 miles. Eligible expenses include construction, maintenance, labor (up to $15 an hour if paid), and landowner relations efforts, with an additional $500 available for qualified landowner relations expenses. Clubs must be registered non-profit corporations in good standing and meet several requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and providing proof of landowner permission. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024, with grants payable on a reimbursement basis. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides financial assistance to municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land to preserve open spaces and protect water supplies.

This grant provides funding for collaborative, arts-based projects that improve community livability and cultural vibrancy in Pennsylvania, focusing on diversity, equity, and local engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local and state governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations in Missouri for the development and maintenance of public recreational trails, promoting outdoor activities and community engagement.

This grant provides funding for community projects in Hawaii that promote the benefits of trees and engage residents in tree care and conservation activities.

The Maine Tourism Development & Management Grant is designed to foster tourism development, education, and management projects in Maine that aim to enhance collaboration among key destination organizations, create sustainable growth within the tourism sector, and provide qualified technical and consulting assistance. The grant supports projects that align with the Maine Office of Tourism's Destination Management Plan and prioritize sustainable and inclusive tourism. Applications are accepted annually, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible projects include tourism product development, stewardship planning, visitor education programs, strategic planning related to tourism, and the creation of educational or interpretive signage to improve the visitor experience. A 25% cash match is required to ensure regional and community support for the projects. Ineligible uses of funding include marketing campaigns, special events, for-profit organizations, administrative costs, and construction projects. The grant emphasizes the importance of advancing off-season tourism, promoting the value of tourism, and developing inclusive travel opportunities. Deadline – Letter of Intent – 2pm, April 19, 2024 Application Deadline: 2pm, May 24th, 2024

This funding opportunity supports local parks in California by providing financial assistance for both arts programs and art installations, benefiting communities and enhancing public spaces.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is offering a grant for a Youth Bicycle Clinic and Ride Event, aiming to promote green and active transportation education among youth in underserved communities within the District of Columbia. The grant seeks to educate youth on bicycle maintenance, safety, and basic repairs. While the prompt asks for "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text specifies the "Department of Energy & Environment" as the donor, not a foundation. The grant's goal aligns with fostering environmental stewardship and community engagement, encouraging sustainable practices, and empowering young individuals with practical skills. The target beneficiaries are youth in underserved communities in the District of Columbia. The program's impact goals are to help these youth become bicycle pioneers in their respective communities, deepen their knowledge and exposure to engineering concepts, and encourage them to seek alternative forms of transportation. The grant specifically focuses on bicycle maintenance, safety, and basic repairs as key components of this educational initiative. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in youth skilled in bicycle maintenance and safety, greater understanding of engineering principles, and a higher inclination among participants to utilize bicycles as an alternative mode of transport. The funding allocated for the Youth Bicycle Clinic and Ride Event is $50,000, indicating the scale of impact the DOEE aims to achieve through this initiative. The eligible entities for this grant include nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) determinations), faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities/educational institutions, and private enterprises. This broad eligibility ensures a wide range of organizations can contribute to the DOEE's objective of promoting green and active transportation among the youth. The grant's emphasis on practical skills and community leadership reflects a strategic priority to create tangible, lasting change within the District.

Comcast RISE is a grant program established in 2020 to aid small businesses severely affected by COVID-19, helping them to recover and flourish. The program returned in 2024, expanding its reach to a broader spectrum of small businesses while maintaining its core focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Its overarching mission is to foster economic growth within businesses and their communities, aligning with a strategic priority to support underserved or underrepresented small business owners. The program specifically targets small businesses that are at least 51% owned by an individual aged 18 or older who is the primary decision-maker, actively engaged in daily operations, and whose business is independently owned, not a franchise, has been operating for at least three years, and has been revenue-generating for at least 12 months. It also specifies geographical locations in Atlanta, GA; Southern Colorado; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; and Richmond, VA. Businesses with more than 100 employees or those falling into categories like non-profits, religious organizations, political advertisers, or businesses related to marijuana, firearms, tobacco, or adult entertainment are ineligible. In 2024, Comcast RISE aims to award 500 recipients across five cities with a comprehensive grant package. This package includes a $5,000 monetary grant, a creative and media campaign valued at approximately $17,500, a technology makeover with an approximate retail value of $7,500, access to 12 months of LinkedIn Learning for business education, and business consultation services. The focus is on providing tangible resources that directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of small businesses. The expected outcomes and measurable results include direct financial support through the cash grant, enhanced market presence and customer reach through the media campaign, improved operational efficiency and digital capabilities via the technology makeover, and strengthened business acumen through educational resources and consultation. The theory of change posits that by providing a multi-faceted support system, Comcast RISE empowers small businesses to overcome challenges, achieve sustained growth, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of their local communities, ultimately fostering a more diverse and inclusive business landscape.

This opportunity invites midway operators to submit proposals for providing and managing rides, games, and concessions at the Great New York State Fair from 2025 to 2034.

This grant provides financial support to tax-exempt organizations to engage under-served populations in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education across Texas.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) is seeking grant applications to help fund projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife, with available funding totaling $5,000,000. These grant funds come from CDFW-OSPR’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which acquires funds from spill violations in accordance with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. The EEF selection committee includes representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and CDFW‐OSPR. The selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Multiple projects may be submitted for funding. Disbursement of money from the grant is contingent on the availability of funds in the EEF. To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must 1. Be located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, 2. Have measurable outcomes within a pre-determined timeframe 3. Be designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible Applicants include nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, cities and counties, districts, state agencies, and departments; and, to the extent permitted by federal law, to federal agencies. All eligible groups and projects are encouraged to apply. For more information, please go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/Science/Environmental-Enhancement-Fund/About

Created in 1964, the Boating Facilities Program provides grants to acquire, develop, and renovate facilities for motorized boats and other watercraft, including launching ramps, guest moorage, and support facilities. Typical Projects Renovating boat launches Adding guest moorage facilities Building parking, restrooms, and other boating amenities To apply for this funding, grant applicants must have completed a comprehensive recreation or conservation plan. Match Details Match may include the following: Applicant’s labor, equipment, and materials Appropriations or cash Bonds Conservation futures Corrections labor Donations of cash, land, labor, equipment, and materials Federal, state, local, and private grants Local agencies and special purpose districts must provide 25 percent match for each project, and at least 10 percent of the total project cost must be from a non-state, non-federal contribution. State applicants do not need to provide match. Tribes need to provide 25 percent match.